'Suspicious packages' found at consulates in Australia

Map showing Canberra and Melbourne

Australian authorities are investigating suspicious packages found at foreign consulates in Canberra and Melbourne, police have confirmed.

Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade said it had been called to “a number of incidents” across the city.

Several consulates were reportedly affected.

“The packages are being examined by attending emergency services. The circumstances are being investigated,” the Australian Federal Police said.

Local media reported that emergency workers had been seen at consulates belonging to India and South Korea. Several other nations were believed to be affected.

A British High Commission official said: “We are liaising closely with the [federal police] and the local authorities.

“All our staff are safe and accounted for.”

source: bbc.com